Skowhegan catcher Natalie Gilman, left, watches as Messalonskee's Madison Wilson connects with the ball during Monday's softball game in Oakland. Joe Phelan/Kennebec Journal

OAKLAND — This is not the same Skowhegan softball team of years past. In fact, it’s one of the youngest.

Just two games into the season, however, the River Hawks are showing an ability score runs, and a flair for the dramatic.

Skowhegan scored three runs in the fifth inning to take the lead and held on to win, 8-7, against Class A North foe Messalonskee on Monday.

Junior Lydia Jones (2 for 5, 3 RBI) led the River Hawks (2-0), while Ryleigh Carey and Natalie Cooke each added two hits.

“It’s good we were able to come back and battle through it,” said Jones, a shortstop. “Effort is a big thing. We’re all young, a lot of varsity inexperience. But everyone comes in with effort.”

Chloe Michaud went 3 for 4 with three RBI for Messalonskee.

Skowhegan opened the season with a 7-1 win over Camden Hills on Friday.

How did they do it?

• Persistence. Skowhegan fell behind 5-0 in the second inning, when Sierra Kingsburgy and Olivia Thomas had RBI singles for Messalonskee.

Skowhegan answered back with five runs in the third, highlighted by a two-run single by Jones and an RBI single by sophomore Kya Fairley.

“I was just trying to make a play, put (the ball) in the gap and make good, solid contact,” Jones said.

Two innings later, Skowhegan took an 8-5 lead, with RBI singles from Jones and Carey.

“All I’m asking them to do is compete,” Skowhegan coach Lee Johnson said. “We could have easily hung our heads., but instead we stuck together and found a way to contribute with good at-bats.”

• Messalonskee answered in the bottom of the inning a two-run single by Michaud, but the River Hawks held on in the final two innings.

“I would say we didn’t have very consistent, solid contact,” Messalonskee coach Samantha Tunningley said. “While we’re getting girls on base, it would feel better if we’re more solid. I had a consistent player (today), it would be nice if all nine were consistent. We’d feel a bit better and they’d have some more confidence in themselves when they’re at the plate and we’re behind.”

Key moment

• Skowhegan’s fifth inning, which included hits by freshmen Laney Wentworth and Harper Turner; both later scored for the River Hawks.

Dance fever

• In a moment of youth rubbing off on the coaching staff, Skowhegan coach Lee Johnson celebrated the win by doing “The Griddy” with the team after the game.

“That’s all I’ve got,” Johnson laughed.

Statistical leaders

• Skowhegan: Lydia Jones (2 for 5, 3 RBI), Natalie Cooke (2 for 4)

• Messalonskee: Chloe Michaud (3 for 4, 3 RBI), Lexi Bayne (2 for 3)

Up next

• Skowhegan: at Mt. Ararat (4:45 p.m.) on Wednesday

• Messalonskee: vs. Oxford Hills (4:15 p.m.) on Wednesday